MICHAEL OWEN has pledged to keep bringing goals to Newcastle while his advisors study the club's latest contract offer to their prize asset.

The Chronicle revealed on Monday that United had written to Owen's representatives with a new deal to replace the one which runs out in June, and this is now being studied by them.

Owen was training today as Joe Kinnear, Chris Hughton and the rest of the squad savoured the excellent victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park and started their preparations for Sunday's game with Spurs at St James's Park.

But a source close to Owen told me today: "Despite what some reports may be saying, Michael has not rejected Newcastle United's new offer and he has hardly had the time to even study it.

"His advisors are working through it and they will respond accordingly.

"However, as in the case of Frank Lampard at Chelsea, these things are not done overnight.

"I have to say, Michael has let it be known that he is flattered by Newcastle United's desire to keep him at St James's Park.

"And perhaps it is no coincidence that he has re-discovered his best form recently and started scoring goals again.

"Anyone who saw his face when he put Newcastle in front at Portsmouth will see how committed he is to lifting the club up the Premier League table.

"Like the rest of the Newcastle team, he was buoyed by not just the result against Portsmouth but the manner in which it was achieved.

"Michael is now fully focused on the Spurs game.

"He is letting his advisors look at the financial aspects and, even though he knows some of the figures which are being bandied about are wide of the mark, he is just concentrating on staying fit and doing what he does best and that is scoring goals."

To be fair to Owen, right from the moment Kevin Keegan decided that he should retain the captain's armband in January he has never shirked his responsibilities.

And whether he stays or not, the fans can be assured that Owen will give 100% every time he pulls on a Newcastle United shirt.